Agenda and draft minutes

Prayers were said by the Very Reverend John Richardson of All Saints Church.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Barwick, Dawes, Forecast, Fort, Mrs Gooch, Harper, Higson, Jenkins-Baldock, Jones, McKay, M Naghi, Parfitt, Riordan, Round, Springett, Trzebinski and Wilby.

There were no applications for dispensations.

With regard to the notice of motion at agenda item 9, Councillor Jeffery stated that he and many Members and Officers present would be classed as critical workers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

Note:  Councillor Couch entered the meeting at the conclusion of this item (6.40 p.m.).

RESOLVED:  That all items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

The Mayor updated the Council on recent and forthcoming engagements explaining that:

·  He had attended a service at Rochester Cathedral when the new Archdeacon of Rochester and the new Archdeacon of Tonbridge were officially welcomed into their roles.  He had also attended the launch of the 2025 River Festival and wished to thank Councillor David Naghi for organising the Festival which brings a lot of interest to the town.

·  Future engagements included attending a performance by the Kent and Medway Youth Orchestra and a Hindu Festival.

·  The last event that he was organising was a river trip from the Malta Inn to Farleigh Lock and back to Allington Castle for a tour.  There were a few seats still available if Members would like to attend what would be a very interesting visit.

There were no petitions.

Motion to be moved by Councillor Jeffery, seconded by Councillor English:

1.  That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, on behalf of Maidstone’s key workers (critical workers as defined by HM Gov during the COVID-19 pandemic), the following organisations in recognition of the eminent services rendered to this Borough during the COVID-19 pandemic,

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (on behalf of all key workers in the public sector)

Involve Kent (on behalf of all key workers in the voluntary sector)

One Maidstone (on behalf of all key workers in the private sector)

be admitted to be Honorary Freemen of the Borough of Maidstone.

2.  That the roll of Honorary Freedom of the Borough be amended to include the above organisations and to express that it is received on behalf of all key workers in the Borough for eminent services rendered to this Borough during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was moved by Councillor Jeffery, seconded by Councillor English, supported by Councillors Cleator, Harwood, J Wilkinson, Cooke, Clark and S Thompson and:

RESOLVED:

1.  That pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, on behalf of Maidstone’s key workers (critical workers as defined by HM Gov during the COVID-19 pandemic), the following organisations in recognition of the eminent services rendered to this Borough during the COVID-19 pandemic,

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (on behalf of all key workers in the public sector)

Involve Kent (on behalf of all key workers in the voluntary sector)

One Maidstone (on behalf of all key workers in the private sector)

be admitted to be Honorary Freemen of the Borough of Maidstone.

2.  That the roll of Honorary Freedom of the Borough be amended to include the above organisations and to express that it is received on behalf of all key workers in the Borough for eminent services rendered to this Borough during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Miles Scott (Chief Executive, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust), Mr Gary Wells (Chief Executive Officer, Involve Kent) and Ms Michelle Woodland (Chief Executive Officer, One Maidstone) then signed the Roll of Honorary Freedom, witnessed by the Mayor and the Chief Executive, and were presented with Certificates of Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

Mr Scott, Mr Wells and Ms Woodland then addressed the Council indicating that it was an honour and privilege to accept the award on behalf of key workers in their respective sectors.

Note:  Councillor Oliver entered the meeting during the signing of the Roll of Honorary Freedom (7.20 p.m.).

6.30 p.m. to 7.40 p.m.